Lately i've been enjoying a 2 CD set of music by electronic music pioneer Raymond Scott, Manhattan Research, Inc. Scott led a double life as a successful commercial composer and also an inventor, and is apparently credited with inventing the music sequencer. Almost 50 years later his music sounds remarkably fresh (even used for a recent Tic Tac commercial). It's a great blend of the creative experimental nature of other early pioneers, and the catchy melodies of commercial music. The CD's come along with a great book filled with interviews and pictures of him in his enormous basement full of electronic devices. He comes across as sort of a lovable mad genius.
Only recently is he taking a place in music history, as he was incredibly secretive with his inventions. In a letter found in his personal papers he states "...with the passing of years, I guess I regret my secrecy and would like for people to know of what I accomplished." It's good stuff.
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